Part:BBa_K1694004

Single-chain variable fragment (Anti-EGFR)

Introduction: Single Chain Variable Fragment of Cetuximab

we selected the single chain variable fragments (scFv) of monoclonal antibodies Cetuximab and named it Anti-EGFR

scFv (Single Chain Variable Fragment)

scFv(single-chain variable fragment) is a fusion protein that consist of variable region of heavy chain(VH) and light chain(VL) of antibody, and connected by a short linker. Here we use the amino acid sequence of GGSSRSSSSGGGGSGGGG as a linker to connect VH and VL.

Features of scFv:
1.specificity:Though remove of the constant regions and add a linker, scFv still maintain the specificity of the original immunoglobulin.
2.Convenient：ScFv is smaller than the entire antibody, so that the loading of production to E.coli could become lower.

Cetuximab

(International Nonproprietary Name (INN) : epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor) is a chimeric (mouse/human) monoclonal antibody and it specific binds to target antigen epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR).With high affinity it can prevent ligand binding and activation

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)

EGFR is a transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptor that regulate the cell division and cell apoptosis. 

EGFR is characterized by an extracellular ligand-binding domain, a transmembrane domain, and a cytoplasmic domain containing the tyrosine kinase region followed by a carboxyl-terminal tail with tyrosine autophosphorylation sites.
EGFR is overexpressed on the cell surfaces of various solid tumors. Mutations in the gene encoding EGFR that lead to overexpression of this protein will lead to cells proliferate uncontrollably.